NPA holding 7 cops for alleged vote buying in Southern Mindanao village

DAVAO CITY–The New People’s Army (NPA) are allegedly holding seven policemen escorting four barangay (village) captains who they claimed were out to
buy votes for a congressional candidate in the village of Paquibato, a spokesman for the rebels said Monday.

Simon Santiago, of the NPA’s Pulang Bagani Command in Southern Mindanao, said Senior Police 0fficer 3 Edgardo J. Butad, was held for an hour at 4 p.m. Saturday  in the village of  Paquibato for allegedly violating the NPA’s policies against vote buying within its territories.

The statement said the seven traffic cops escorted four barangay captains
allegedly carrying cash to buy votes for reelectionist First District Representative Mylene Garcia.

Aside from Butad, the other captives are Erald James M.Cajeras Sr., Vincent M.Dela Torre, Abdul Azis A. Ali Jr.,  Ariel C.Arbule, Edmon O.Trenidad, Rusalito C.Caranguit.

The NPA renewed its warning against politicians entering their territory.